Wozniak Unit To Sell Assets

Special to the New York Times

Published: July 28, 1988

SAN FRANCISCO, July 27—
CL9, the company founded by Steve Wozniak to produce a high-technology remote-control device, said it was negotiating the sale of its business, technology and patents.

Mr. Wozniak founded CL9 after leaving Apple Computer Inc., of which he was a co-founder with Steven P. Jobs.

CL9's product, called Core, can operate stereo, television and other video equipment from a single, hand-held unit, but sales have been slow because of lower-priced units from established consumer electronics companies.

Martin Spergel, CL9's president and chief executive, said that if a sale of the company were not completed by Oct. 31, it would close its offices and move to a smaller facility, where it would continue to pursue the sale of the technology.

Mr. Wozniak, who no longer plays an active role in the company, has said he plans to pursue a career teaching elementary school.